Hinoki-cypress is a graceful spreading tree with branches that droop at the tips. The small cones and attractive, red peeling bark add winter interest. There are a number of dwarf and compact cultivars available that add a nice accent to the garden.
Size and Form:
The species is a 50 to 75 feet high and 10 to 20 feet wide tree with a pyramidal form. Cultivars vary in shape and size.
Native geographic location and habitat:
Hinoki-cypress is native to Japan.
Bark color and texture:
The reddish-brown bark peels and sheds in narrow strips.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
There are two distinct types of needles. Juvenile plants have scale-like needles while mature plants have flattened branchlets. The alternately arranged needles are dark green in color, with a white X-like line on the underside. The foliage is aromatic when crushed.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size:
The male and female flowers are not showy. The female flowers are located on the tips of the branches.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions:
The small, rounded (globose) brown cones are on short stalks.
Plant care:
Unique textures and an array of foliage colors make cultivars of this species excellent accents in the garden. It does best in full sun to part shade in a sheltered area, away from high winds. It is tolerant of most soil pH, but prefers a moist, fertile soil. Avoid wet, poorly-drained soils. It may be difficult to transplant.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
Hinoki-cypress has no serious problems. Root rots may occur when conditions are too wet.
Blue Feathers Hinoki-cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Blue Feathers’):
A short, narrow cultivar reaching 12 feet high and 4 feet wide with blue-green needles. It has a twisted growth habit.
Compact Hinoki-cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Compacta’):
This cultivar is 6 to 8 feet high and 4 to 6 feet wide with an upright form.
Dwarf Hinoki-cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana’):
A cultivar reaching only 1 to 2 feet high and wide. It is irregularly rounded with dark green needles..
Dwarf slender Hinoki-cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’):
A 4 to 5 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide cultivar. It has an irregular shape when young, becoming upright with age.
